Undefined Fútbol on Your Need to Know
(May 8, 2019) Catherine Read sits down with Dawson Ash and Francisco Ascendio, the founders of Undefined Fútbol. Their organization teaches and promotes the sport of Freestyle Soccer, and is the first of its kind on the east coast of America.
Freestyle Soccer takes the fundamentals of ball handling and adds creativity to form a unique sport. Ash and Ascendio have created the only year-round Freestyle Soccer academy in Fairfax. They use the artistic side of soccer to empower the youth, build character, stimulate creativity, and learn amazing new skills. The sport takes inspiration from extreme sports such as skateboarding and freestyle snowboarding and skiing, and adds elements of gymnastics and dance to round things out.
Although they often attract kids who play traditional team soccer, they also have kids who just like playing around the ball and learning new tricks. There are opportunities for children to advance in the sport, and attend judged competitions, although the point of the academy is to simply expose the children to something new.
Anecdotal feedback from parents has been very positive. They find that their children not only are excited to attend the academy sessions, but they are picking up the ball and practicing on their own at home in order to perfect a trick to create a new move. Many children naturally want to try new things and challenge themselves. This sport fosters their love of thinking outside the box and trying new things, which can have a very positive impact.
The program welcomes boys and girls equally. Undefined Futbol runs a summer camp based at the Green Acres Community Center for any children who might be interested in getting involved and learning more about the sport. It is a great way to get kids off the couch, and combine physical fitness with creativity.
In addition to the children’s academy, Undefined Futbol offers opportunities for adults who love to sport to come together. They host large-scale freestyle soccer events on a regular basis. These events bring together enthusiasts from across the country to celebrate the sport, and to be a part of the Undefined Futbol community.